Minoryx raises EUR 51 million to support Marketing Authorization Application and launch preparations for X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) therapy

• Funds will support the marketing authorization review process for male patients with AMN and launch preparations in Europe, as well as activities required for US approval pathway
• Proceeds will also cover activities for extension of indication to entire X-ALD population
• The Series C round was co-led by Columbus Venture Partners and Caixa Capital Risc, and strongly supported by CDTI Innvierte, Fund+, Ysios Capital and other current investors

Mataró, Barcelona, Spain, May 31, 2022 - Minoryx Therapeutics, a Phase 3 stage biotech company focused on the development of treatments for orphan central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announces it has closed a EUR 51 million financing, including Series C equity financing and complementary bank debt.

Minoryx will use the funding to finance the marketing authorization application (MAA) and launch preparations of its drug candidate leriglitazone for adult male X-ALD patients with adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) in the EU. Minoryx will also use the funds towards the approval of leriglitazone in the US for the same indication. The company is currently holding discussions with the FDA to define the next steps for its US approval path. Finally, the proceeds will support the continuation of leriglitazone’s development in pediatric patients with cerebral ALD (cALD) as well as label expansion into women affected by X-ALD. 

The round was co-led by Columbus Venture Partners and Caixa Capital Risc. Dr. Damià Tormo, representing Columbus Venture Partners, has joined Minoryx’s Board of Directors. CDTI, through its Innvierte program, also joined the Series C round which was also strongly supported by existing Series B investors, led by Fund+ and its Belgian Public co-investors, and Series A investors, led by Ysios Capital. 

X-ALD is an orphan, inherited neurodegenerative disease. The most common form is AMN, which is a highly debilitating chronic disease affecting male and female X-ALD patients reaching adulthood. There is currently no approved treatment for AMN patients. In male patients, both pediatric and adult, X-ALD can also manifest in its acute cerebral form, cALD, resulting in aggressive brain inflammation, leading to permanent disability and death within 2-4 years. The global incidence of X-ALD is approximately 6.2/100,000 live births. AMN and cALD are the two most common phenotypes.

Leriglitazone, a novel brain penetrant PPAR gamma agonist, has shown significant clinical benefit in Minoryx’s ADVANCE Phase II/III clinical trial in adult male patients with AMN. In this study, leriglitazone reduced the progression of cerebral lesions and myelopathy symptoms. These data also support Minoryx’s ongoing NEXUS study, an open-label phase II/III trial assessing leriglitazone in male pediatric patients with early stage cALD.

“Minoryx’s Series C investment round will enable us to move forward at full speed towards the approval and commercialization of leriglitazone in X-ALD, a devastating orphan disease with a major unmet medical need,” said Marc Martinell, CEO, Minoryx. “These funds will also enable Minoryx to proceed towards US approval based on FDA guidance and investigate the benefits of leriglitazone in further X-ALD patient populations.” 

“We are impressed by the clinical data showing the potential of leriglitazone to treat both AMN and cALD,” said Damià Tormo, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Columbus Venture Partners. “We are eager to support the development of what could be the first approved treatment for the most prevalent form of X-ALD.”

“We believe leriglitazone could dramatically impact the outcomes for patients and their families that are suffering from such a devastating disease,” said Pablo Cironi, director of Life Science Investment Funds at Caixa Capital Risc. “We are happy to continue to support Minoryx’s team throughout its development process and commercialization efforts.”

Leriglitazone has been granted orphan drug status from the FDA and the EMA and fast track and rare pediatric disease designation from the FDA for the treatment of X-ALD.